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Louis Metaireau
One of the most energetic and vociferous winemakers of the Nantais region, Louis Metaireau provided a much needed focus for his peers. He owned only 2 ha of Muscadet vineyards, but his activities extended far beyond his own plot. He formed a cohesive group of vignerons who strove for quality, working together under the title Les Vignerons d'Art. The group own Domaine du Grand Mouton, a massive vineyard which at 27 ha dwarfed Metaireau's own. The group continue to bottle wines from Domaine du Grand Mouton, although Metaireau's interests are now overseen by his daughter Marie-Luce and son-in-law Jean-Francois Guilbaud.
There are a number of different cuvées bottled. The top dog is Cuvée Number
One, which is the product of a taste test by the Vignerons d'Art. This is the
highest scoring cuvée, which must reach a score of at least 17.5/20 (August
2003). A similar
method for judging quality is used by that other Muscadet figurehead, Guy
Bossard, which results in his Hermine d'Or designation. After Cuvée Number One comes a
personal selection of wines judged to be worthy of the designation Cuvée LM.
Then comes Cuvée Grand Mouton, grapes harvested slightly under-ripe from the
Grand Mouton vineyard. Petit Mouton is a young vines cuvée. Finally, as far as the Muscadet appellation
is concerned, comes Cuvée 10,5, an unchaptalised blend. There are other occasional additions to the range, however, often
classified as vin de pays. (12/11/03)
Contact details:
Address: 44690 Maisdon-sur-Sèvre
Telephone: +33 (0) 2 40 54 81 92
Fax: +33 (0) 2 40 54 87 83
Louis Metaireau - Tasting Notes
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Louis Metaireau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 'Petit Mouton' 2001:
The young vines cuvée. Very pale. Lovely nose, of thyme and lemongrass dusted
with rock-salt. Lightweight, fresh, slightly bitter acidity on the palate. Would
be a good match for fresh, salty oysters - but you knew that anyway. 15.5/20
(August 2003)
Louis Metaireau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 'Grand Mouton' 2001:
Bottle number 7622. Very pale. Initially it has
minerals and salty iodine on the nose, later lime and other citrus fruits.
Good body on the palate, with sharp acidity and a slightly bitter, quinine-edged
citrus fruit flavour. Full finish. 16/20 (August 2003)
Louis Metaireau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 'Grand Mouton' 1996:
From a half bottle purchased in Calais. Pale, shimmering, transparent gold. A beautiful nose, very
floral, with a touch of musk, and minerals. After the two younger wines it took
me aback somewhat. Good texture and weight, but fresh, although with much
gentler acidity than the previous wines. It's impressive to see how well this
has kept - it is really enjoyable. 16/20 (August 2003)
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